Before Sofronio Vasquez took the stage of “It’s Showtime” last January 19, wherein he performed a medley of songs alongside the 10 grand finalists of “Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown” and had his first-ever stint as a hurado, Kapamilya showbiz correspondent MJ Felipe had the chance to catch up with “The Voice USA Season 26” grand champion in this episode of The Filipino Channel’s online talk show “BRGY.”

MJ initially had Sofronio take us back to his simple and fun childhood in his hometown of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, as well as his life before coming to Manila to chase his dreams.

As a little boy, Sofronio described himself as “makulit” and “bibong bata,” who was often reproached by his mother as he spent most of his time playing on the streets with his friends. Since they used to live in a coastal area, he and his friends usually played bangka-bangkaan using the cases of discarded refrigerators that they bought from a junkshop.

His first exposure to music was at home, as his father would blare their radio every Sunday morning, and their family would sing along together before heading to church.

He was in elementary school when he first realized that he wanted to be a singer, as his teacher would assign him and his classmates to perform during occasions. The feeling of being onstage and watched by a crowd of people amazed him so much, which encouraged him to pursue that path growing up. He joined a slew of auditions and graced various events, as well as became the frontman of a band when he was in high school and a psalmist in church.

Since he’s in the entertainment industry, Sofronio was among those whose livelihood was tremendously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Losing his main bread and butter at the time compelled him to line up for government aid or ‘ayuda,’ as well as take on a lot of side hustles, like selling rice cakes, livestreaming, and singing to online events. Although he had the option to go home to his family in Ozamiz City, he preferred to stay here in Manila since, aside from the fact that he had more opportunities here, he also got used to his way of life here in the capital.

MJ then mentioned a recent interview he had with Martin Nievera, who has been one of Sofronio’s staunch supporters ever since his foray in “The Voice” started. The showbiz reporter relayed that the Concert King told him that Sofronio’s achievement was something that he used to aspire before but he didn’t succeed, so he’s happy and proud that Sofronio is able to fulfill it not just for himself but for all the Filipinos, too.

It, of course, touched Sofronio and conveyed how it still feels surreal to be able to rub elbows and establish connections with the OPM icons he used to only watch and whose songs he used to only cover. Besides, he’s not still accustomed to the kind of attention being given to him and tend to feel very shy about it, yet he’s glad that his dream of being seen and heard is finally fulfilled.

“I didn’t imagine na ganito ang magiging output at ganito magiging extra ang layo, milya-milya talaga compared doon sa buhay ko na pinangarap. But, above everything, I just wanted to be grateful kasi binigay sa’kin ‘yong chance na ‘to probably because I really dreamed and I really worked hard for it. So, kailangan ko talaga siyang namnamin, alagaan, at mag-respeto doon sa pagkakataon,” he said.

They then revisited Sofronio’s journey in “The Voice USA,” starting off with how he handled the rejections he got along the way. According to him, he refused to think about being rejected so much and so hard and simply took it day by day. He is just optimistic that after every ‘no’ and heartbreaking moment, he could try again and it would finally be a ‘yes.’

Sofronio also talked about his life in Utica, New York City, where he lived and worked as a dental assistant prior to joining the singing contest, as well as how his foster family, their friends, and the entire Filipino community there and from other states helped him win. He firmly believes that it was impossible for him to make it to the top without their unwavering support for him, which they showed through power voting for him.

“That is a testament of you, as a person, can just be adaptive. Kahit saan ka mapunta, huwag kang matakot. Sometimes, it’s hard na makapag-penetrate o makapag-adjust kaagad but it’s a cycle, it’s a journey. So, araw-araw you get to just be hopeful and grateful and positive. Ito ‘yong totoong patunay na, as cliché as it sounds, no man is an island,” Sofronio said.

Being the only Filipino contestant, Sofronio confessed that there were instances that he felt like an outcast and insecure, mainly because of racial differences. However, he didn’t let that sink into him and simply exuded the Pinoy fighting spirit and versatility in him, which helped him immerse himself with his fellow contenders and other people there.

He also shared the rituals he did while competing, which include putting a coin in each of his shoes, tapping his foot thrice before beginning his performance, and uttering a prayer and doing the sign of the cross before stepping onstage.

And lastly, with regard to his most favorite moments so far during his comeback here in the Philippines, Sofronio shared that his reunion with his beloved mother is on the top of the list, since they hadn’t seen each other for a long time. Although he didn’t have a hero’s welcome that some people wished him to have, he said that he didn’t need those because he was already glad that ABS-CBN gave him a warm welcome and that the Philippine President and the First Lady invited him to Malacañang to meet with them.